Photo question: Gehrig/Ruth July 4, 1939

[Forever Young]

Originally Posted by prewarsports

Just to quickly chime in, when we sold the Cobb Conlon photo we did pretty extensive research over several years and talked to just about everyone we knew of in the hobby. We also spoke with Henry Yee who confirmed to me that there was absolutely no other confirmed Type 1 examples of that photo known to exist that he or anyone else was aware of had ever seen as well. There are rumors that others exist, but none have ever been confirmed. If there is another one out there, it is very well hidden or likely not a real type 1. That is not say there isn't the possibility, there is just no other confirmed examples.

As for the Ruth/Gehrig photo being talked about here, it is a rare image and I have only ever seen a handful of type 1 examples of various angles in our experience. There are a bunch of type 2 and type 3-4 examples that were done in the 1940's through the 1980's as the event became more and more famous so be careful when looking to pick one up as these look old but are not type 1 examples.

Rhys

This kind of got off topic with the Cobb photo example.
I believe we talked about that particular photo numerous times before auction and clearly I felt very highly of it too. The proof is in the run I made for it as you know
You/Rmy did a superb job in marketing and selling it. So good, I was unable to attain it seemingly at any cost. It is true that it is the only "confirmed" type 1. My comment had nothing to do with your listing. You did it up right.
However, I would never buy a photo thinking it was the only one.
I buy a photo knowing it is very very rare regardless if 1 or 5.

Regarding the babe and gehrig hugging: I have seen several of each sell over the years. That is not very many. Most have come out to the public in the last 5 years. If you like/want it, I would not be afraid to pay retail.

Attached is an example in my collection. I have owned it for just over 7 years. Before that, I wondered if I would ever add it as I never saw it for sale. Since, I have seen just 2 examples for public sale of this exact shot.

I will also add that, like a growing number of people today, I was on eBay for hours a day way back then looking for photos. I also was on top of all the major auctions. So I feel my number is pretty accurate coupled with trying to buy privately from others " in the know".
Type 1 examples are very rare. As rare as the Cobb? No.. but still very very rare.